Well, we have seen the first presidential debate, the only vice presidential debate and the forums for Onslow County commissioners and register of deeds.

Now we have a chance to elect people who will represent us locally and nationally.

I always enjoy reading the letters to the editor. It gives a people a chance to express their views on many topics. So now I am going to express my own personal feelings. I do not expect everyone to agree as I surely do not always agree with the views of others; but I do respect their right to express them and hope that I am afforded the same respect.

For four years we have witnessed the decline of our country. In the first presidential debate, we saw that President Barack Obama did not really have answers as to what can be done to turn our country around. Gov. Mitt Romney laid out concrete facts and plans.

So at least we have one person running for this office who actually sees the problems and has come up with solutions.

As far as Vice President Joe Biden, during his debate he acted more like a court jester than the No. 2 person representing us. His actions were disrespectful and completely inappropriate, not only toward Paul Ryan but toward the American people.

The county commissioner forum gave a clear view of the direction in which some want to take our county. The four incumbents have clearly looked out for all of the county. I commend them for having the fortitude to stand up for what they believe. I found some of the others appeared to go out of their way to say things in hopes that their answers would garner them votes.

The register of deeds forum was very informative. Becky Pollard has used her four years to improve our register of deeds office. She has made it more public friendly and more convenient by incorporating electronic access.

If you missed either of these two local forums, you can watch them on G-10 or Charter Channel 14 as they will be running periodically until the election.